The Beginner’s Guide to Vape Kits (2025)

Vaping in 2025 won’t look the same.

With the new TPD regulations, single-use vapes are going away in the UK, and even refillable devices will face stricter limits, like reduced tank sizes. 
If you're new to vaping, it’s easy to focus on looks, but choosing the right device takes more than that.

Each vape kit functions differently, and a little knowledge goes a long way. No worries, we’ll cover everything in this vape kit guide. We’ll talk about resistance, wattage, and how to pick the vape that suits your habits.

Did you know? 43% of smokers quit successfully by switching to vapes. Want to make the switch? Read on to find the right vape device for you.

• TPD: The TPD (Tobacco and Related Products Regulations) is a set of EU (European Union) regulations designed to control the sale and marketing of tobacco and vaping products in the UK.
• NHS: The NHS (National Health Service) is the publicly funded healthcare system of the United Kingdom.
• The Sun: The Sun is a famous UK newspaper known for its coverage of trending topics, including vaping, public health, and lifestyle.
• Tobacco Control: Tobacco Control is an international journal published by the BMJ Publishing Group.

Vaping kits are all-in-one packs that contain everything required for vaping. They include a rechargeable battery, a tank or pod, a coil, and a mouthpiece. These kits come in various shapes and sizes to meet the diverse needs of vapers.

Difference Between Cigarettes and Vaping Kits

E-cigs don’t work like traditional cigarettes that burn tobacco. Instead, these advanced devices heat liquid to produce puffs. This method avoids combustion and reduces harmful chemicals like tar and carbon monoxide. Vaping also provides better control over nicotine intake, which makes it a popular choice for those who want to reduce or quit smoking.

Vape Trends in the UK (2025)

Vaping has become popular in the UK, with around 5.1 million adults (9.8% of the population) using e-cigarettes or disposable vapes occasionally. The growth is particularly evident among young adults aged 18–24, where usage has reached 15.8% (source: The Sun).

The Twist?

As vaping continues to grow, the UK government has announced new regulations. Starting on 1st June 2025, single-use disposable vapes will be banned under the EU’s TPD regulations. Additionally, devices that do not comply with the following will also face a ban:

• E-cigarettes with pods, tanks, or cartridges exceeding 2ml in capacity.
• Vaping devices containing more than 2% nicotine.
• Packaging with playful designs that may appeal to children.

How Does This Change Vaping in the UK?

This shift means that those starting now should consider semi-disposable or refillable vapes, which offer greater sustainability.

Research shows that smokers who switch to e cigarettes often experience a reduction in symptoms like coughing and wheezing, common in those who smoke traditional cigarettes.

E cig kits have also been associated with lower exposure to harmful chemicals, as e-cigarettes generally contain fewer toxic substances than combustible tobacco products. Health organisations, including the National Health Service (NHS), support vaping as an effective smoking cessation tool.

The Anatomy of a Vape Kit

A vape device has numerous parts that are combined to create an optimal vaping experience. These parts include:

• Battery: The battery powers the entire device, and its size and type can vary. Some e-cigs have built-in rechargeable batteries, while others use replaceable batteries.
• Tanks: The tank or pod system holds the e-liquid, and depending on the design, tanks can be refilled with different e-liquids.
• Pods: These systems might come pre-filled or be refillable, depending on the model.
• Coils: The coil heats the e-liquid to produce vapours and puffs.
• Wick: It absorbs the e-liquid and delivers it to the coil.

As you now know, the main components of e-cigs, let’s move on to their types.

E-cigarettes are divided into two main types:

Open Electronic Cigarettes

As the name suggests, these vapes have open ports (also known as a fill port) for manually filling the e-liquid tanks. In simpler terms, users can fill the vape with a new flavour without having to replace its entire tank.

Closed Electronic Cigarettes

These devices are disposable and are thrown away once the e-liquid is depleted. These are also popular as disposable e-cigs. Less prone to leaks, these options are simple and easy to use.

These two types of vapes are further divided into multiple categories based on their design, coil resistance, and other factors.

We’ll cover this in the next section.

Types of Vaping Kits Explained in Detail

The popular ones are discussed below:

Starter Kits

Starter kits, also known as beginners’ vape kits, are ideal for newbies due to their simplicity and ease of use. They require minimal setup and, in some cases, no setup at all.

Pro Tip: To find the best vape as a starter, we recommend trying out different e-liquids to find the flavour and nicotine level that works for you.

Product Examples

• Endura T22E Kit By Innokin
• T20 S Starter Kit By Innokin

Disposable Vapes

Disposable vapes are pre-filled pod kits. They require no maintenance or refilling, which makes them a popular option for those who want a quick and easy vaping experience. Some of them are single-use vapes, however, the other options are semi-disposable (meaning that half of their parts are disposable).

Product Examples

• Lost Mary 4-in-1 Prefilled Pod Kit
• Hayati Rubik 7000 Prefilled Pod Kit

If you want to dig deeper into the disposable and learn the pros and cons, check our ultimate guide on disposable e-cigarettes.

Pod Kits

Pod kits are compact, portable, and user-friendly. These kits are available in two systems: open (refillable) and closed (pre-filled). Open systems allow for more customisation by letting users refill pods with their preferred e-liquids, while closed systems are easier to use, but offer less flexibility. The most famous and best pod vapes in the UK are:

Product Examples

• Vaporesso Xros Pro Pod Kit
• Vaporesso Xros 3 Vape Kit

Advanced Kits and Mods

Advanced kits and mods are specialised vapes designed for experienced vapers who’ve been vaping for years. These are the best reusable vapes that allow for personal adjustments in settings such as wattage, temperature, and airflow. They tend to be larger and more complex, but are perfect for those who enjoy customising their vape to suit their preferences. If you’re looking for the best vape mods in 2025, try the ones listed below:

Product Examples

• SMOK R-Kiss 200W Kit
• Geekvape Aegis Legend 2 Kit 200W

Big Puffs Vapes

With most of the vape devices offering limited puffs, new TPD-compliant devices are emerging, i.e., big puff disposable devices. These aren’t the regular disposable vapes. By cleverly adhering to the UK's TPD regulations, these vapes feature a refill container or multipod system to ensure no individual e-liquid container exceeds 2ml and nicotine strength remains at or below 20mg/ml (2%). Their unique designs offer higher total puff counts, frequently reaching 2400 or more. Here are the top big puff vapes to try:

Product Examples

• Hayati Pro Max Plus 6000
• Hayati Pro Ultra Plus 25K

Remember that all the devices mentioned above offer a unique experience. Their unique anatomy, including the type of coil, tightness of the airflow, ohm resistance, and all other factors, forms the different inhaling techniques, such as:

MTL (Mouth-to-Lung)

The MTL vapes are just like traditional cigarettes. They work the same: moving the puffs from the mouth to the lungs. It is great for users who prefer higher nicotine strengths and a tighter airflow. This vaping style produces less vapour.

DTL (Direct-to-Lung)

Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping involves inhaling vapour directly into the lungs. This style usually supports lower nicotine strengths and is popular among smokers who enjoy huge clouds. DTL vaping requires a more relaxed airflow and tends to generate a stronger throat hit.

RTL (Restricted Direct Lung)

Restricted Direct Lung (RTL) is a middle ground between MTL and DTL. It offers more vapour than MTL but with less intensity than DTL. RTL provides a versatile option for those who enjoy both flavour and vapour production, but in moderation.

Once you know the difference between these, you can easily choose from MTL, DTL, and RTL vaping kits.

Understanding Coil Resistance and Wattage

In order to choose the best vapes, you need to have a clear understanding of the following terms:

What is Coil Resistance?

Think of it like the width of a pipe for water; a narrower pipe (higher resistance) restricts the flow more than a wider pipe (lower resistance). Coil resistance measures how much the coil resists the flow of electrical current. Ohm is its unit.

Impact:

• Lower Resistance (Sub-Ohm - typically below 1.0 Ω): Allows more current to flow. It generally requires higher wattage.
• Higher Resistance (Above 1.0 Ω): Restricts current flow. This results in less vapour. It typically requires lower wattage.

What is Wattage?

It’s the range of electric power that an e-cig can deliver. Wattages are measured in watts.

Impact:

• Higher Wattage: Generally produces more vapour, a warmer vape, and more intense flavour.
• Lower Wattage: Produces less vapour, a cooler vape, and less intense flavour.

Here is an overview:

If you're a beginner, starter kits or pod systems can be your best options. These devices are simple to use and ideal for those who are new to vaping. However, make sure to consider the following factors while choosing:

• Personal preference: Do you want an MTL or DTL experience? Would you prefer an easy-to-use kit or a more advanced one? Choose accordingly.
• Nicotine Strength: Higher nicotine lovers can choose MTL vapes, and people who prefer low nicotine are recommended to get DTL devices.
• Portability and Battery Life: If portability is a priority, disposable vapes or pod kits are great options. However, if you need a device that lasts longer between charges, advanced mods offer better battery life.
• Budget: Starter kits and disposable vapes are generally more affordable. If you’re willing to invest more, try advanced mods.

  Final Thoughts

  That was all for this beginner’s guide to vaping kit.
  
  To sum it all up, vaping devices are modern, battery-operated alternatives to traditional cigarettes. They’re generally less harmful and offer a wide variety of flavours to suit different tastes.
  However, the unexpected rise in popularity of disposable devices in the UK has raised some eyebrows. As a result, new regulations have been introduced.
  That said, it’s important to know everything about vaping devices, trends, and TPD regulations before you buy one. So, ready for the big change?
  Shop from a wide range of vapes at the best vape store, Alectrofag. We’ve got everything from e-liquids to starter kits and advanced mods. Visit our catalogue to buy now!

  FAQs

  Which are the best vape kits for heavy smokers?

  For heavy smokers, devices like the OXVA NeXLIM Pod Kit are recommended. They offer strong battery life, fast charging, and efficient nicotine delivery.

  How to Use Vape Kits?

  First of all, fully charge the battery with the provided charger. If your kit has replaceable coils, make sure to prime them with a few drops of e-liquid into the wicking materials. Let it saturate for a few minutes. Once done, assemble the device and adjust the power according to your style. That’s it.

  What’s the difference between vape devices and vaping kits?

  Vape devices are single devices used for vaping. Those could be pens, mods or disposable e-cigs. On the other hand, a vape kit is a complete package that includes every part of the vape, including the charger, coil, etc.

  Where do you buy vape kits online?

  When buying vapes online, it’s really important to look for retailers who sell TPD-compliant products, like Alactrofag. We offer a range of e-cigs and advanced mods along with all the necessary accessories and unique flavours.

  What are the best vapes for beginners?

  For first-time vapers, selecting the right kit involves some research to understand how different devices function. We suggest beginning with starter kits before exploring more advanced options as you gain experience.